Glass Sinks – Six Important rules when buying glass sinks
Glass sinks are very modern and popular right now. They made a huge impact in the hotel business in the 1990s. Alot of vacationers and business people was pleased with luxurious look of these awesome
glass sinks. They are demanding the same luxurious look in their own homes and businesses.
These
sinks have been advertised in showrooms, home improvement center, lowes, home depot and trade shows. Just looking at the intriguing varieties of colors, shapes and designs can make you pull out credit card quicker than you can say crackled glass. But WAIT! There are a few things you should know:
1. Know where your sink will go – The “where” factor
Yes, the obvious place is the bathroom. But do you mean the master bathroom, the main bathroom, a guest bathroom or a powder room? Let’s start with the master bathroom. These
glass sinks allow the homeowner to create his/her own little oasis reflective of their own personal style. Imagine placing one of these beautiful royal blue glass sinks in your master bath and tell me that you wouldn’t be awed by its sheer beauty? Now, if you’re going to jazz up your master bath and don’t know where to begin, you can make the sink your focus and work around it. Finding matching tiles, carpeting, paint, wallpaper, towels, etc is a snap when you have a clear focal point.
But what if you don’t want to make a statement there? What if you just want a simple master bathroom without the bells and whistles? May I suggest that you move your glass sink over to the guest bathroom or power room? Not only can you express
your style, but your neighbors, friends and family will see it too! And who doesn’t like to be recognized and admired by their friends for their exquisite tastes? Who knows, you might start a
glass sink revolution among your friends and neighbors, but you’ll the FIRST…and there’s nothing like coming in FIRST!
Some worry about the sink’s durability, but you really don’t have anything to fear. The rims are the most vulnerable part of the sink, so I wouldn’t put your entire body weight on the sink just to test it. These sinks are tempered. Tempered or toughened glass is annealed (regular) glass that has been heated to about 1200°F. Then the glass is quickly cooled. This procedure strengthens the glass, making it 5-7 times stronger than regular glass. Now, keep in mind that tempered glass can break under adverse conditions, but it will break into blunt pieces or pebbles, not sharp harmful pieces.
Sink glass is fairly thick also. Typical thicknesses range from ½ inch to ¾ inch, which is, believe it or not, a considerably thick piece of glass. When you think about your normal grooming habits such as brushing your teeth, combing your hair, shaving, applying make-up, there’s not too much you’re going to do where you’d have to so worry about breakage. FYI: Most breakage occurs during installation. So it’s important to have a professional install your sink.
The best advice I could give to you to prevent breakage is to NOT install a medicine cabinet over the sink. This way you won’t have any concerns about anything harmful falling into the sink. But if this still puts fear in your heart, I have another solution.
If you like the look of these above the counter glass sinks, but don’t want glass, then consider a porcelain vessel sink. You’ll get the look without the worry. More on this later.
2. Know much space can you spare – The “how” factor The housing market has been booming for years and so have the home remodeling market. Newly built and remodeled
homes are getting bigger and this includes bathrooms. Not to mention, when selling a home, bathroom and kitchen renovations are the two areas that can increase a home’s value the most. Bathrooms are no longer boring places we go to simply groom ourselves. Homeowners are demanding a lot more. They want bathrooms that are livable, customizable, comfortable and sometimes even entertaining.
The good news is that the majority of these glass sinks are around 15-18 inches in diameter at the largest point, which is about the width of your standard keyboard. They are about 5-8 inches deep, about the length from the base of your palm to
almost the top of your pinky finger. So these sinks are not humongous beings that will come to life and take over your bathroom, but they will give your bathroom life. However, be sure that you have the appropriate amount of space to
accommodate the width of the sink and accessories, plus maintain ample space away from the edge of the counter and from the wall so that the “fear of leaning on it” factor is no longer a factor. Twelve inches around the entire sink should work well.
If you don’t have much space to spare, then try a pedestal sink. Pedestal sinks are sinks that are pre-mounted on a space saving pedestal. You’ll get the ultra modern sink without taking up valuable space. A perfect compromise!
What about those lucky people that have bathrooms that are the size of living rooms? These consumers might want something with a little more mass to fill in the space in their bathrooms. Then I have another idea for you. Why not consider a
vessel sink vanity? You’ll have a glass sink and a roomy counter that comes together! More on that later too!
3. Know how much and what kind of foot traffic will be around the glass sink – The “who” factor You may really want to reconsider putting one of these lovely sinks in a child’s bathroom. Children have the uncanny ability to break things. If you ever want to find out just how “virtually unbreakable” something is, just put it around a young child! So if some of the main foot traffic around your glass sink will be young children, say under age 10, I would be wary of installing a glass sink. Also, the less foot traffic around a glass vessel sink, the less worry for the owner. Hence, my recommendation for installation in a bathroom that has less traffic or traffic by conscientious persons (the owners). If you have a large family, a family with young children or if you only have one bathroom and love the look of these glass sinks but realize this might not be the best option for your needs, then consider a porcelain vessel sink. You’ll have the look of a glass
vessel sink with the familiar durability of porcelain. You can skip down to read about porcelain vessel sinks below.
4. Know how much maintenance you are willing to do – The “what” factor
How do you clean this thing? How do you maintain it? One of the many things I’ve heard is that cleaning it is a pain. But it
doesn’t have to be. A quick flick of the faucet and a once around the basin with a soft cloth will do the trick. You can keep the cloth near your fluffy towels. If you’re worried about water spots, then you have a couple of ways to go. Cleaning the basin with a non-abrasive cloth dipped in a solution of water and vinegar will clean spots quickly and easily. If you don’t want to worry about the vinegar clean-up too often, you can buy a glass sink that has an etching or a design within it. Some sinks even have water droplets designs on them. This way the minor spots are ingeniously disguised.
5. Know your budget – The “how much” factor
Prices can start as low as $65 to as high as $10,000. There could be many reasons for the difference in pricing. First, consider how it’s made, such as factory made or custom made, blown glass or fused glass, single or
double layered glass. A custom made and/or a blown glass sink is more expensive because of the time and expertise involved in making the sink. Also consider the sink’s quality. Whether quality, customer service or knowledge, sometimes you get what you pay for. Be careful of sinks that start at rock bottom prices. They usually come without warranties, the seller is not knowledgeable about the sinks and installation policies, and they’re simply quantity discounters and have nothing more to offer than a low price. If you’re comfortable with that, then you’ve found your source. Now, some sinks are truly one-of-a-kind pieces of art that are made on a per order basis and can take weeks to months to create and deliver, but you’ll communicate one-on-one with the artist of your sink, receive expert knowledge about how it’s made and information on maintenance issues and the best part is that you’ll receive a truly unique, special sink that no one else will ever have. Well worth the upscale price of $1,000 or more. For some, the notion of a $1,000 sink might not fit your wallet and bargain basement prices, although tempting, can send up a red flag. Then go for the middle of the road.
6. Know the look you’re going for. How will you accessorize? – The “wow” factor
The fun part of remodeling or decorating is that when it all comes together with a variety of accessories. But we all know that that doesn’t just happen by chance, but through planning, from the vision at the beginning, to the search in between, to the placement at the end. The total look has to be created. But what kind of look are you going for? Although these sinks are the in things now, you still can create a look. How? Through accessorizing!
The most important accessory for any sink is the
faucet. Brushed steel and nickel are popular, although a polished faucet will allow the color of the glass sink to pop and glisten. The colors bounce off a polished faucet as opposed to a brushed faucet which can distort and absorb a sink’s color.
You can create a 1800s look. During that era, settlers had to pump water from a well and they used a bowl and pitcher to regulate the use of water. By using a tall faucet such as this, you can go back in time to recreate a timeless look with a
contemporary twist.
Are you an avant garde consumer? Always up-to-date with the last trends? Always the first to try something new? Then I guarantee you’ll be the first with this faucet. Maybe you’re a minimalist or you prefer abstract works of art. How’s about a “the doctor is in” look?
You see what I mean, about creating a look? But wait, that’s only the beginning.
The appropriate lighting will help also. Halogen lighting is best because it provides a crisp white light that shows skin tones most accurately. They only cost a little bit more than the standard light bulb, but lasts 2-3 times as long. The newest fluorescent lighting also shows skin tones very well, and they last even longer – up to 10 times as long as regular light bulbs.
Want to really show off your glass sink? Direct a single spotlight at it, just like you would do your favorite painting in your home.
Try lighting underneath the sink. If you have a clear counter with shelving underneath it, you can place candles or mini lamps underneath the sink to enhance the sink above it. What about a spa look? Then place the smaller tea light candles, just behind the sink, in front of a mirror. The candles will give off a soft glow and the mirrors will give the illusion that there are twice as many candles being used.
Try mirrors. I mentioned that medicine cabinets might not be a good idea, but a properly hung, matching mirror can give your bathroom a well-thought-out look, plus give the illusion of the bathroom being larger.
Whether artificial or the real thing, flowers can create a dramatic effect. For example, if you have a mint green sink, try purple tulips. Have a blue sink? Try red roses. Hey, got a pink sink (pink is so in)? Try yellow daisies. Contrasting colors of the color wheel are undeniably striking. And don’t just put them in clear vases. Let the colors of the sink guide you, and use colored vases. Or stay away from the vases altogether and use jam jars with colored marbles or try stainless steel candlestick holders.
What about using a pitcher like suggested in my 1800s example? You can put together an entire floral arrangement. And of course, don’t forget the bazillion bathroom accessories out there on the market. From stainless steel, aquatic and zoo
themes, what’s a more fun way to let your inner child or animal loose!
Vessel Sink VanitiesVessel sink
vanities are sinks with the countertops attached to them. They make your bathroom renovation effortless because it’s coordinated. Just accessorize and you’re done! They can be made of glass, steel or wood. The glass may be transparent, opaque or crackled. The wood may be veneered or laminated. Maple and cherry woods are used frequently, but oak is the favorite. Sinks can sit above the counter like a vessel sink or the sink could be a drop-in or semi-drop in sink.
They can be free standing, wall mounted even corner wall mounted for really tight spaces. Some come with matching shelving,
cabinets and mirrors.
If you’re getting a wall mounted vanity, make sure that the brackets come along with it. Also be sure to have a p-trap. What’s a p-trap? A p-trap can save your precious stoned earrings from disappearing down the drain forever. The trap part of the p-trap catches the precious jewel in the little pocket (the trap), and it can easily be retrieved. Also, imagine a gorgeous vanity with an unsightly drain underneath it. No need to worry because the decorative p-traps can resolve that cover-up that problem. Plus, and most importantly, p-traps are a necessary safety feature. The p trap provides a water seal above the waste or soil pipe. This seal keeps sewer gases and odors from entering the room. So a p-trap can keep you and your jewels safe. Please don’t forget the p-trap!
On the very low end, you can find a vessel sink vanity for around $400, but remember you just might get what you pay for. Upscale models can cost well over $5,000. So once again, the middle of the road will probably suit most buyers.
Porcelain Vessel Sinks
Porcelain sinks are a standard feature that is here to stay. But no longer are they just standard wall hung or pedestal
porcelain sinks. Porcelain sinks can also be shaped like vessel sinks. You’ll get the look of a vessel sink with the durability of
a porcelain sink, easy clean up, no water spots, no worries. Plus, the shapes of these porcelain vessel sinks can go from the
typical square shape to funky round, pyramid like shapes. Made by firing ceramic clay at high temperatures to form a
nonporous surface, they don’t require special care, won't rust, fade or discolor. Porcelain vessel sinks come in a variety of
colors, but classic white is still the best-seller. Prices start around $300.
Useful Sink Terminology – compliments of www.thisoldhouse.com
Undermount Sinks
The most popular lavatory style. Undermounts attach with clips to the underside of the countertop. The look is sleek and seamless, and it's easy to keep the counter surface clean. But because undermounts leave the edge of the countertop
exposed to water, they can only be used with certain materials, mainly stone and other solid surfaces.
Perfect for: Those who want an easy cleaning routine, and those with the “what if I lean on it” fear.
Wall Mount Sinks
These have the advantage of being adjustable to almost any height, making them ideal for handicapped or children's baths.
And because wall-mounts don't require a cabinet for support, they're often the best option in a small bath where floor space is
limited. If you don't like to look at exposed plumbing, some models come with a "shroud" to cover the pipes; you can also get a
decorative p-trap.
Perfect for: High traffic bathroom areas, kids’ bathrooms, and those with the “what if I lean on it” fear.
Vessel SinksThe most striking option, vessels come in a broad range of materials, shapes, and styles. Like an old-fashioned washbasin,
they sit atop the counter, making height an important consideration. So is plumbing: faucets for vessel sinks are mounted on
the wall or on the sink deck. Because the bowl is completely exposed, vessels are not the most practical choice for heavily
used baths:
Perfect for: Low traffic bathroom areas and for making a statement.
Drop in Sinks (also called self-rimming)
The easiest type of sink to install, these simply drop into a hole cut into the countertop. The sink's rim supports its weight;
caulking around the perimeter keeps the seal watertight. Drop-ins can work with just about any countertop material. The
downside is that the exposed rim makes it harder to keep the countertop clean than with other mounting styles.
Perfect for: Moderate traffic bathroom areas, older kids’ bathrooms, and those with the “what if I lean on it” fear.
